Amidst speculations of a leadership change in Karnataka, Minister Priyank Kharge stated that there are no differences within the Congress, and all leaders are unanimous on the high command's decision. The BJP leveled allegations of horse-trading, which the Congress countered.
Karnataka: Amidst ongoing political speculations regarding the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka, Minister Priyank Kharge has clearly stated that there are no internal differences within the Congress. According to him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and every party leader agree that whatever decision the high command makes will be implemented. Priyank Kharge said that when the top leadership is speaking in one voice, it is wrong to talk about differences.
Why have discussions about a leadership change intensified?
Rumors of a leadership change in Karnataka have been circulating continuously for the past few months. Discussions have been ongoing in political circles regarding the power balance between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in the state's Congress government. The opposition claims that the tussle between the two leaders is increasing pressure on the government, which has fueled speculations of a leadership change.
BJP's Allegation
R. Ashok, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly and a BJP MLA, alleged that the Congress is in a situation where it is trying to buy its own MLAs for the Chief Minister's post. He stated that the state government is completely corrupt and should resign immediately. According to R. Ashok, the power struggle has escalated to such an extent that reports of money transactions among MLAs are emerging.
Congress's Response
Reacting to these allegations, Priyank Kharge stated that the BJP has no right to point fingers at the Congress. He said that "Operation Lotus" is the BJP's trademark politics, and they are known for horse-trading. Priyank Kharge remarked that the BJP could not even provide a stable Chief Minister for five years. When they first came to power, they had three Chief Ministers, and in their second term, they changed two Chief Ministers. He added that buying, selling, and bargaining for power are part of BJP's politics, not the Congress'.
What does Congress say about allegations of power struggle?
Congress leaders assert that the government is completely stable, and all leaders stand by the high command's decision. They state that the opposition is spreading baseless rumors unnecessarily to create an atmosphere of political instability. According to Priyank Kharge, every party member will respect whatever decision the high command takes.
BJP's Demand for Elections
R. Ashok stated that elections should be held to form a new government in the state because the current government is embroiled in corruption and internal conflicts. He claimed that due to the power struggle between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, the government has weakened, and public interest is being affected.
